By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama A&M University honored faculty members who completed rigorous professional development focused on evidence-based teaching and student success during an ACUE Pinning and Certificate Ceremony at the University Welcome Center.
The honorees earned credentials through the Association of College and University Educators, a national organization that helps college instructors strengthen their teaching. Shannon McElroy received ACUE’s Advanced Certificate, the highest credential recognized during the ceremony.
ACUE training emphasizes practical, research-informed methods for student engagement, active learning, inclusive instruction, course design, assessment and meaningful feedback. University leaders said those practices support AAMU’s broader efforts to improve learning, persistence, retention and graduation.
Dr. Charlotte Teague, chairperson of English and modern languages and AAMU’s ACUE Faculty Lead, opened the program. She said the credential represents more than completing professional development because it demonstrates a faculty member’s commitment to effective teaching and student success.
Aaron Dixon, assistant vice president for student success and director of Freshman Academy, presented each participant with an official ACUE pin. Dixon described the honorees’ work as an intentional investment in teaching and in the students they serve.
Dr. John Jones, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, congratulated the faculty members and joined them for individual photographs. Jones said continuous faculty improvement strengthens the University’s teaching culture and student-success initiatives.
The honorees represented academic disciplines and departments across the University. Their achievement reflects AAMU’s effort to connect faculty development directly with classroom outcomes.
By completing the ACUE program, the recognized educators have added research-supported strategies to their teaching while reinforcing a University-wide principle: meaningful student success begins with effective instruction in the classroom.